Friedrich von Hausen
Friedrich von Hausen was a notable German poet from an aristocratic background, born to a wealthy landowner in the 12th century. He gained prominence in the court of Emperor Friedrich I during the mid-1170s, where he collaborated with influential figures, including Archbishop Christian of Mainz and Emperor Friedrich's son, Heinrich VI. Renowned for his poetic prowess, von Hausen led a distinguished group of poets, comprising both aristocrats and social climbers, who were supported by various patrons. He is credited with establishing the concept of "hohe minne," or courtly love, in German literature, emphasizing that true love can transcend obstacles and distance. His poetic style incorporated elements of meter and melody, influenced by the French troubadour tradition, which he encountered at courtly events. The legacy of his work is encapsulated in his only surviving collection, "Seventeen Minnesongs," which garnered acclaim long after his death in 1190, securing his place among the significant figures in early German poetry. His contributions have had a lasting impact on the understanding and expression of love in literature.
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Friedrich von Hausen
Writer
- Born: c. 1171
- Died: May 6, 1190
Biography
The son of Walther von Hausen, a wealthy landowner who had estates all over Germany, Friedrich von Hausen was born into an aristocratic family with political connections. By the mid-1170’s, Friedrich von Hausen had found a place in the court of Emperor Friedrich I and had accompanied many of his associates, including political ally Archbishop Christian of Mainz and the emperor’s son Heinrich VI on various trips throughout the kingdom. Friedrich von Hausen enjoyed a sterling reputation as a poet, and as a result he was privy to many high ranking embassies and courts. At court he was known as the leader of an elite circle of poets that included both ministeriales, social climbers who had risen from the peasantry, and aristocrats, all of whom were supported by patrons.
Friedrich von Hausen is credited with the founding of the poetic ideal of hohe minne, courtly love, in Germany. His idea of hohe minne revolved around the notion that nothing, be it obstacles or great distance, could overcome true love, and that dreams were real and should be expressed through poetry and the release of emotion. His literature was unusual in its incorporation of meter and melody in the tradition of famed French troubadour poets, some of whom he had met while attending courtly ceremonies. His only surviving poetry collection, Seventeen Minnesongs, brought him great acclaim in the centuries following his 1190 death and elevated him (albeit posthumously) to a status that few pioneering poets enjoyed.